Keys to the Patriots-Texans game

Saturday

Jan 12, 2013 at 5:08 PM

HOUSTONAvoid mistakesThe Texans hurt themselves badly in the first meeting with the Patriots. Matt Schaub was picked off at the goal line by Devin McCourty. The Texans piled up seven penalties for 70...

PAUL KENYON

HOUSTON

Avoid mistakes

The Texans hurt themselves badly in the first meeting with the Patriots. Matt Schaub was picked off at the goal line by Devin McCourty. The Texans piled up seven penalties for 70 yards. Wes Welker hurt them with a 31-yard punt return to set up a touchdown.

Those mistakes must be eliminated if the Texans are to pull off the upset.

Finish in the red zone

In their playoff opener last week, the Texans had much the advantage over Cincinnati, keeping the ball for 38 minutes. But the game stayed close because Houston could not finish drives. Four times it had to settle for field goals. That continued a trend that has slowed the Texans in their end-of-season slump. The Texans had only three offensive touchdowns in their last four games and have not had a first-half touchdown in their last three games.

Against New England, they have to start faster. And they will need touchdowns, not field goals.

Find a way to contain Wilfork

Those who break down tapes after games point to the work Wilfork did in disrupting the Texans ground game in the first meeting between the teams. Wilfork was credited with four tackles in the box score, but it was his ability to push the point of attack backward that was a key in limiting Houstonís running game. Arian Foster had only 46 yards in 15 carries.

The best way for Houston to improve on those numbers is to find a way to slow down Wilfork.

NEW ENGLAND

Forget the first game

The number-one point of discussion for the New England players this week has been how they are disregarding their romp over the Texans last month. It means nothing, they say, because this is a new season. Still, it is human nature for the players to think about how easily they handled the Texans five weeks ago.

The Pats have to do as they say: ignore the first meeting and go all out once again.

Use all the weapons

The Pats led the NFL in scoring by a wide margin, even though they dealt with numerous injuries on their offensive line and receiving corps through the season. For this game, the Pats look to be healthier than they have been since September, with all their key offensive players ready to go, with the exception of Julian Edelman, who is on injured reserve with a foot injury.

The Pats have picked up at least 20 first downs in each of their last 25 games, the longest such streak in the league since 1991. Tom Brady should have more options than ever on how to keep that streak alive.

Find a way to contain Watt

Bill Belichick this week called J.J. Watt the best defensive player in the league. Watt set records this season for total sacks and blocked passes. In the first game against the Pats, Watt had only four tackles, but hit Brady four times. The Pats have to make sure that they are able once again to slow Watt down.